For World Veterinary Day tomorrow (27 April) we pay tribute to our veterinarians, whether at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS) in South Africa, or active on our large-scale circus rescues in the field at the Temporary Rescue Units, or in sanctuaries we support, or providing help during natural disasters, we salute the ADI veterinary teams around the world – Inés Nole and Eva Chomba from Peru, Dr Gustavo Gonzales from Guatemala, Camilo Uribe, Colombia, Dr Howard Rosner, US and Dr Peter Caldwell and Prof. Gerhard Steenkamp in South Africa, including all their teams and students.

Many of the animals we save have endured a lifetime of deprivation, malnutrition, and confinement in small, unnatural spaces, often living in constant fear. Tiger sisters Luna and Jade, rescued from a circus in Guatemala, both have a malformed skull and spine connection which impacts the spinal nerve, causing them to walk with a ‘goose step’ gait, for which we provide essential vitamin supplements and medications to reduce the damage. Our beloved Ruben’s body was ravaged by a lifetime of malnutrition from poor food, severe confinement and lack of exercise to develop his body, causing damage to his spine and degenerative neuropathy which ultimately claimed his life.

Early life malnutrition also leads to eye problems. Several of our lions have been rescued with cataracts, blindness, or sometimes with an eye already removed; eventually, advanced cataracts cause pain and inflammation with removal of the eye being the only option – this included Ricardo, Joseph, Amazonas, Kiara Cusco, Leo, and Smith.

Lions and tigers invariably arrive with severe dental problems and gum disease due to their teeth being smashed when hit in the face by iron bars. Monkeys commonly arrive with teeth broken off to prevent them biting the ‘brave’ trainer who forces them to do tricks. This leaves them with infected stumps and gum disease which can infect the jaw. One of our regular tasks once we have rescued our circus and wildlife trade survivors, is dentistry sessions for root canals and extractions.

Circus workers pretend bravery when entering the ring with a lion, tiger, or bear, but what the audience does not know, is that circuses have brutally cut off the animals’ toes to permanently remove their claws – depriving them of their main defence against abuse. The pictures of our late bear, Cholita, show her missing digits cut off both front paws by the circus in Peru. They also broke off her teeth.

Cutting off an animal’s toes has the same effect as cutting off a person’s fingers – they lose the ability to manipulate things, scratch, play, and hunt. The damage to the feet of the big cats can be seen over time as the foot collapses, causing painful feet. Sasha lioness, who we rescued from a circus in Guatemala had suffered a toe being crushed rather than cut off during a declawing operation when she was just a cub. The pain and damage caused a limp which lasted all her life and the infection eventually led to cancer which travelled up her leg.  ADIWS veterinarian Peter Caldwell performed ground-breaking surgery when Sasha got to South Africa, replacing the diseased bone with a titanium implant. Sasha will always limp, because the tendons in her leg were not stretched as she grew due to the injury. Now, following her surgery, she is gradually putting her foot on the ground, helping to improve her movement. And of course, she is no longer in pain.

As well as providing a place of loving kindness, with natural habitats, routine enrichment, and neighbours of their own kind, the ADIWS provides the care our residents need for life, however long that may be.

Recently, before Ruben passed away, we were in the process of building a gantry on his house so that a hoist could be used to give him physiotherapy, and an inner enclosure for giving medications. The house already had a non-slip heated floor, and the feeding camp and main habitat were designed around his physical needs with slopes and lower platforms. We will complete this work, so we have a special needs habitat ready at any time. Despite the heartbreak of losing Ruben after 7 precious months we will not turn away from animals with health challenges in future. Our intensive care habitat will honour Ruben.

We have seen how we can transform the life experience of our rescued residents, as they become themselves again, so we will always work to provide for their physical and mental needs.

In due course, we hope to convert part of our large barn into the J. Jarie Jensen Veterinary Center and have veterinary facilities right on the Sanctuary. This and other infrastructure plans had been paused due to the drop in income we suffer as a result of the pandemic and ongoing economic problems.

To help us give our rescued lions and tigers the best life possible, despite the health obstacles they face, please donate UK £ / US $.

It is with huge sadness that I bring you news of the passing of our beloved and inspirational Ruben. I realize some of you may have already seen our announcements on social media – dear Ruben had many friends around the world.

As our vet Dr. Peter Caldwell advised, fifteen years of captivity and malnutrition left Ruben’s body compromised by spondylitis and degenerative neuropathy; the bones in his spine were disintegrating, damaging his spinal nerve. It was down to his character and determination that Ruben seized his time in Africa with both paws, enjoying a lifetime of experiences in just seven months (the equivalent of four years for a human).

When Tim and I first saw Ruben in Armenia in January 2023, he was in terrible condition. His coat was matted, he was angry and suspicious, and he could barely move without stumbling and falling over. In August, we returned to Armenia to bring him to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (ADIWS) and saw he had deteriorated. At 15 years old, Ruben was already a senior lion and Peter warned at the time that, with all of his health issues, Ruben was “living on borrowed time”. He prescribed medication to make Ruben comfortable and help him move around, and we hoped to give him his best chance of as happy a life as possible.

Ruben appeared to want to prove us all wrong and launched into his new life at ADIWS with enthusiasm.

On arrival, we wondered if Ruben might just step from his travel crate and collapse. Instead, he stepped out, wobbled, stumbled, steadied himself, and drove himself on to grab his first toy (a catnip punchbag), and played until it exploded all over him. Nobody will ever forget Ruben’s happy face, with his mane covered in catnip.

Ruben’s entire countenance changed; his face was no longer furrowed and stressed but relaxed and happy. Above all else, a steely determination to grab hold of his new life emerged. He pushed himself to walk further and further each day. We came to believe Ruben could achieve anything.

His friendly response to his carers was immediate; coming to take his medications from tongs and responding to the voices he recognized. A lion who we had thought might be difficult to build trust with, was trusting from the start – he seemed to know he was loved and respected.

Even after his recent seizure and the setback to his mobility, he retained an enthusiastic disposition. He was intrigued and engaged with everything around him, looked up eagerly when he heard his carers calling or approaching, and took his food and medication from a hand-held stick. It was only on two days we felt he seemed dispirited. This past Tuesday, when he barely lifted his head when Johannes called, we were worried he was in real trouble.

Ruben loved to play with his toys. His catnip bags, boxes, and of course his teddies. They were also part of his physiotherapy and were good for boosting his endorphins. He not only played with watermelons, like the other cats, but actually ate them! He relished his treats.

For seven months, he lived a wonderful life – a lion in the land of his forefathers and living with his own kind after years of loneliness. He found his roar again.

Ruben had the African sun on his back and grass beneath his feet. I will never forget the night he decided he would not sleep in the house but lay outside, watching the sun set and spending the night under the African stars.

Ruben went from six years of loneliness and silence in Armenia, when his family was removed from the private zoo after the owner died, to seeing lioness Easy on his first night in South Africa. Then, in his new home, watching Simba, Rey, and Kesari next door, as well as tigers Max and Stripes.

He heard the roars of other lions and by October, he was roaring back.

As Ruben’s movement improved, he went into his larger habitat where eventually, he climbed the slope up to the top of the viewing platform and proudly stood looking towards Simba, Rey, Kesari, Chino, and Coco next door – then roared in chorus with his noisy fellow residents.

All this time he was defying the odds; his spine and neuropathways were degenerating. Peter explained the discs in his spine were breaking down and putting pressure on his spinal nerve, causing poor balance and inability to control his back legs. The medications helped alleviate some symptoms but could not roll back a lifetime of damage.

This is what the confinement, deprivation, and malnutrition in captivity does to these magnificent animals. Our beautiful young tigers Luna and Jade were rescued at 18 months old but had already developed a stiff goose-stepping walk due to malformed bones at the base of the skull and top of the spine, damaging the nerves. We rescued Sun, Moon, Max, and Stripes from a circus at just 6 months old, which proved to be early enough to stop the same damage. Ruben lived with this for over a decade.

At ADIWS, Ruben kept going and enjoying his life with sheer will and determination. It is not often we meet a lion who has been through so much but has such a lust for life that he defied all odds and lived as a lion again for seven remarkable months. Ruben was an inspiration to us all.

I am so proud of how everyone pulled together for this magnificent warrior.

Ruben’s final chapter happened in his last two weeks. With a long lens camera, we saw Ruben was having a seizure. Within an hour, we had Peter’s advice and had driven into Ruben’s habitat in darkness to give him medication to prevent further seizures and to make him feel more comfortable. Then he was watched through the night. It was testament to the trust he had in his carers, that we were able to feed and give him medications every day as we tried to get him back on his feet. Cameras were installed to monitor him, and Peter watched videos of him every day, adapting his medication, and giving advice. We adapted graspers and extended them on a pole to clean out his den.

We discussed with Peter whether Ruben should go to the hospital, but Peter stressed the best place to get Ruben on his feet was at the Sanctuary, where he had grass underfoot for good grip, the motivation of familiar people around him, and the incentive to get on his feet. In a hospital unit, he would be less motivated. We all watched as he continued to have his medication, had a good appetite, and was hand-fed from the stick. Although he could not walk, he managed to move out into the sunshine in the mornings, returning to the shade of the den in the afternoons.

We remained optimistic and turned to the task of trying to get Ruben on his feet again and provide physiotherapy. The entire ADIWS team worked over the weekend to adapt his house and habitat for physiotherapy sessions. A gantry was built on the roof with runners to carry a hoist to lift him, and Peter’s team was designing a harness. We created a smaller fenced area for giving meds and he would have his house with a heated floor. The plan was for Peter to sedate him on Tuesday, and we would move him to the new house.

Peter examined Ruben and it was not to be. The inevitable was taking over and Ruben had no chance of getting on his feet. To get a more detailed diagnosis, Peter had arranged for an MRI at the veterinary academy in Pretoria University. We took Ruben to Pretoria in the hope for another miracle. A stream of experts came to look at the MRI images and discussed their thoughts with Peter. It was not good; the damage was severe and relentlessly progressing. The seizure had just been another step, and Ruben would not walk again. Then Ruben chose his time – his heart failed, and he passed away without waking up, which we felt was a mercy.

There is a huge sense of loss at ADI and the outpouring of grief among supporters on social media has been very touching. In our local town, people are stopping ADIWS team members to offer their condolences. Ruben’s dignity and strength has touched the world.

His time with us was not enough, but we would do it all again to see him enjoy even just a week of the life he enjoyed in Africa. Farewell, Ruben, you lit up our lives.

I am sorry to bring such sad news but remember, you brought absolute joy and dignity to this inspirational lion. If you would like to give in memoriam donations, you can do so here.

A selection of canvas prints of Ruben are available from our US and UK online stores.

The past month has seen us move closer to not only getting the five Kuwait lions home to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, but when Tim and I visited Kuwait Zoo to see the lions and discuss transport plans, a sixth young lion, Aziza, had just arrived. Naturally, we said we would bring her with the rest of the group as we cannot leave anyone behind (more below).
 
We also bring important campaign developments in the UK, Colombia, and the US – never forgetting that changing laws for animals is the way we can end the suffering (and sometimes even save animals in the process). Here are just a few of the highlights:

When we visited Kuwait Zoo to see the lions and discuss the transport, a new young lioness had just arrived, Aziza. We said we would take her and in anticipation of success, we cut up and flat-packed six crates instead of five and shipped them to Kuwait ahead of the move. Kuwait officials worked super-fast to reissue the CITES export permit to include 18-month-old Aziza. We have explained Aziza’s situation to CITES South Africa and they will also cancel the application for the five and issue a new permit for six lions to include Aziza. Although this potentially delays the move, these animals get a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and we cannot leave anyone behind. More about our new passenger soon.
 
To recap – these lions were all rescued from the illegal pet trade. Our thanks to Kuwait Zoo who continue to care for them, and to Qatar Airways Cargo who have offered a free flight for all six.
 
We are still raising funds to cover the cutting and remaking of the 6 transport crates to flat-pack, transport, export clearing fees, etc., together with costs of amending the current Kakato Home Sweet Home introduction habitats so we can safely move lions and introduce more pairs/groups. These two parts of the operation are currently running at around $18,000. Some costs are still to come in. 

Can you help us with this rescue? Please donate here. 

Good news – bullfighting: Colombia’s bill 219/23C, to ban bullfighting, now faces just one final debate and vote in the House of Representatives, after being passed by ten votes to one in its final committee hearing. The bill has already been passed in the Senate and so is now on a knife edge as the bullfighting industry mobilizes its powerful lobby. The supporters of this brutality will do everything they can to stop it. Please support the ADI Colombia campaign here. 

ADI and other UK animal groups are urging political parties to develop a nationwide plan to phase out experiments on animals, and adopt scientifically advanced, animal-free methods as part of their manifesto commitments for the general election. We joined fellow advocates outside parliament as MPs discussed animal testing and non-animal methods, following public petitions. During the debate, the government announced that it will publish a plan this summer “to accelerate the development, validation, and uptake of technologies and methods to reduce reliance on the use of animals in science.”

Dr. Peter Caldwell, Prof. Gerhard Steenkamp, and their team spent two days at ADIWS dental surgery (aka the kitchen!) on Rolex, Simba, Scarc, and Ruben. Prof. Steenkamp removed some broken incisor teeth and performed root canals on Rolex. Simba had a filling replaced, and Scarc required root canal treatment to repair the tip of a canine tooth. Dr. Caldwell had been waiting for Ruben to build up his strength prior to surgery. Prof. Steenkamp managed to save all four of Ruben’s canine teeth with root canals, although several molars were removed. Battered Ruben will need further surgery, but another substantial improvement in the quality of his life is envisaged. Dr. Caldwell also checked on Kiara, who has a cataract on her eye, which he has been monitoring and will need to be removed at some stage. 

It is known that captivity fails to meet the basic psychological, physical, and social needs of cetaceans, resulting in their suffering and distress. Yet some 50 orcas, beluga whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales remain in concrete tanks in the US. The reintroduced Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings (SWIMS) Act would ban both the taking and breeding of these species for public display, and their import/export unless for transport to sanctuary and return to the wild. Please urge your Congress members to support the SWIMS Act, S3694, today. 

Last May, ADI agreed to provide a home to a group of free-roaming donkeys which had been abandoned at a closed holiday lodge. We speculated there could be a hidden passenger with one of the females, but little did we know, two were already pregnant. Our new baby, Nugget, has been joined by another baby. Eeyore, so nicknamed because of their floppy ears, should be the last of our surprise babies; the two male donkeys have been sterilized. The donkey herd is loving roaming the entire sanctuary, keeping tabs on all the other residents, including the humans. Support our expanding family of rescued domestic animals here. 

In its final parliamentary stages, the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill will prohibit the export of sheep, goats, pigs, cows, horses, and other bovine/equine animals from Britain for slaughter or fattening for slaughter. In the EU alone, 44 million farmed animals are transported in poor conditions on horrific long-distance journeys each year.

New arrivals: ADIWS dogs Rollo and Milo have a new friend joining their walks, Harold the Egyptian goose! Harold arrived at ADIWS with two rescued Pomeranian geese (Hoighty and Toighty). Harold has become Rollo’s friend, grooming him, and joining the dogs on their walks – part flying and part walking alongside. The dogs watch over our rescued ducks, chickens, turkey, and guinea fowl living around the Chris Lee Lodge gardens. Other newcomers include four tortoises rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. The ADI family is growing!

A new bill to advance a UK ban on hunting trophy imports has passed its second reading today. It was introduced after the government failed to deliver on its 2019 manifesto promise to introduce a ban, and after a previous Private Member’s bill fell due to pro-hunting opposition. Ahead of the reading, ADI, and other members of Coalition to Ban Canned and Trophy Hunting, called on the government to affirm their commitment to a ban and ensure the bill’s passage through parliament.

We have all been mourning the passing of our magnificent warrior, 21-year-old Leo, lion father of the Sanctuary. Pictured earlier this year, Leo enjoyed a decade in ADI care after we rescued him from a circus in Peru. Thanks to ADI supporters, Leo crossed the world to live in the sunshine and with his own kind, among the flowers in the land of his forefathers. His golden years were spent with the love of his life Muñeca, home in Africa. Despite our sadness, please remember what an incredible gift you gave this magnificent lion. Read our tribute to Leo. 

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who submitted a review on GreatNonprofits, making ADI one of the first winners of the 2024 Top-Rated Award! See the inspiring stories posted by supporters, get involved, and add your own here.
 
With your support, we can make a difference for animals. To help us continue this work, please donate here.
 
Please also remember you can make a huge difference for animals with a bequest in your will. These lasting gifts secure our work to change the world for animals and provide lifelong support for those we rescue from suffering.

Thank you so much for your support. 

It has been a busy start to the year with many ADI campaign developments and we are gearing up for a major rescue. This week, I was in Kuwait beginning the planning of the rescue of five lions saved from the country’s illegal pet trade and learned there could be one more lioness we could help there. Tomorrow, I will be traveling to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary to oversee preparations for that rescue and to be there for Ruben’s upcoming dental surgery.
 
Here are just a few of the highlights from the past few weeks.

I will give a more comprehensive update next week, but we are moving as quickly as possible to get the lions home to Africa. Muheeb (pictured), Saif, Dhubiya, Saham, and Shujaa (and possibly another lion) are all victims of the illegal pet trade; they were either seized, captured after being dumped, or voluntarily surrendered. Right now, they are in the closed Kuwait Zoo where staff and volunteers have been caring for them until a home was found. Let’s bring these young lions home to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. Please donate here.

Overturning a two-year ban in Mexico City, bullfighting has resumed at Plaza México, the world’s largest bullring – a reprieve after a district judge granted a provisional suspension was only temporary. However, Mexico’s President has announced a public consultation will be held on the future of this barbaric activity.

New legislation will phase out dog meat in South Korea by 2027. Ahead of the law passing, dog farmers had threatened to unleash 2 million dogs on the capital. We hope the ban will encourage other nations to act. Help end the Yulin Festival in China. Please join us by writing to the Food and Agriculture Organisation here. 

A Washington State district has implemented a 6-month ban on the use of exotic animals in circuses, following concerns of local residents, and will prevent performances by Jordan World Circus. The board of the Greater Wenatchee Regional Public Facilities District is working to make the policy permanent. An ADI investigation of the circus showed elephants being controlled with blows, jabs, and electric shocks.

In a devastating step backwards, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has abandoned its 2019 commitment to reduce licensing and funding of testing on mammals by 30% next year. Its aim was to eliminate, in most cases, study requests and funding by 2035 and to invest in animal free testing methods.

After a beautiful summer morning, a dramatic change in weather saw incredibly powerful winds tear the roofs of the lion houses belonging to Rey Cusco and Chino and Coco at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. The lions were hunkered down, well away, in their large main habitats, seemingly unbothered and no animals were harmed. By the following evening, the roofs had been replaced and all the lion and tiger houses inspected.

After several fur free years, the British Fashion Council has formally banned fur at the annual London Fashion Week ahead of its 40th anniversary event this month. The ban is now part of the application process for each brand. It’s another step towards ending this cruel industry worldwide.

In the US, the Mink Virus Act would phase out mink farming nationwide. Please urge your Congress members to support HR3783. 

For the 6^th International Candlelight Vigil for Elephants on January 13^th, we remembered captive elephants who suffered and died in 2023, including poor Mali at Manila Zoo (pictured). Most elephants in zoos and circuses are born free but torn from their natural homes and families to suffer decades in captivity.

January saw the fourth anniversary of ADI’s Operation Liberty emptying Guatemala’s circuses, which concluded with the airlift of 17 lions and tigers to the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa. It had been a grueling 19-month operation with the ADI team enduring threats, abuse, legal challenges, and attempts by armed mobs to invade our temporary rescue unit. It was all worth it as the animals took their first steps on African soil. Relive those incredible moments here.

After global calls for action, lonely giraffe Benito was moved from his tiny, bare enclosure in a zoo in Mexico, to a wildlife park with several acres of space and, most importantly, seven other giraffes. It is, however, sad that the park will be breeding, adding to the captive giraffe population with no hope of returning to the wild, rather than offering a lifeline to the other Benitos of the world.

Belgium’s parliament voted unanimously to ban the import of hunting trophies from species classed as threatened, or at risk of extinction by the trade. Italy’s ITA Airways stopped the transport of hunting trophies in passenger baggage and cargo. Canada banned elephant tusk and rhino horn hunting trophies. Permits will only be issued for zoos, museums, scientific research, or law enforcement investigations.

The Bay Area Renaissance Festival in Dade City, Florida is offering elephant rides on weekends through March 31. ADI undercover footage shows the violence used to control elephants used for rides. Please send a polite message to and call the Bay Area Renaissance Festival today urging them to no longer host elephant rides, and other performing wild animals. Call 1-800-601-4848 or Email: info@bayarearenfest.com
If you live in the area and are interested in hosting an outreach event, contact us at usa@ad-international.org.

With your support, we can continue to help animals in need. Donate here.

The combination of campaigning, creating awareness, securing legislation, and saving animals is at the heart of ADI’s work. Together these combined strategies bring lasting change for animals. Here we look back at some of our activity over the past month, as we continue to work around the world for animals.

Ruben’s new world: Ruben, the lonely lion we rescued from Armenia, continues to inspire us all. His incredible determination when walking is clear, and his all-round mobility is improving. This month, following an examination by veterinarian Dr Caldwell, Ruben was given access to the next section of his habitat at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a larger, more challenging, half-acre space with grassy slopes up to a platform, trees, and longer grass. It will help build his muscles. It was magical seeing this old warrior, who has endured so much, really looking at home in Africa.  More…

Cosmetics testing victories: Chile’s Senate has voted unanimously to ban animal testing for cosmetics, as well as the manufacturing, import, and marketing of cosmetics tested on animals elsewhere. In addition, Canada’s ban on testing for cosmetics and sale of newly animal-tested cosmetics came into effect December 22nd. The Canadian government also amended the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to phase out toxicity testing on animals which, if effectively implemented, could have a huge impact.
Help call for a ban in the US! Urge your Congress members to support the Humane Cosmetics Act (HR5399).

Brookline became the fifteenth town in Massachusetts to ban wild animals in traveling acts, passing with overwhelming support. It remains shocking that the US is behind some 50 countries with national animal circus bans, but steady progress is being made at local and state levels.
HELP GET A NATIONWIDE BAN: Please urge your Congress members to call for and support the reintroduction of the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act. If you live in Massachusetts, please urge Committee Chairs to support the passage of state bills H3245 / S2189 / S2197. 

Will you host an ADI screening in 2024? ADI supporters in Los Angeles enjoyed a special preview of ‘Inside Liberty’, a 90-minute documentary about ADI’s Operation Liberty to empty Guatemala’s circus cages. The audience got an idea of the huge challenges ADI faced and it was wonderful to hear their laughter as they watched the lions and tigers play for the first time, and quite a few happy tears as they stepped out into their new homes. Tim and I hosted a Q&A at this inspiring event, showing just what we can achieve together. Please get in touch if you would like to host a screening with us from April 2024 onwards. 

Roosevelt and Churchill (two pot-bellied pigs) became our latest ADI Wildlife Sanctuary residents when they arrived just in time for Christmas. The adorable 5-year-old brothers are extremely friendly and were initially rescued from a pet shop. With nowhere for them to go, they joined our growing community of rescued misfits which includes donkeys, goats, sheep, and Matilda the cow.

Miserable reindeer at Novikov Restaurant, London: ADI continues to campaign against the use of reindeer as Christmas events. They are trucked around the country in transporters and then forced to sit all day in tiny pens in town centers. Keep urging venues to stick to inanimate decorations!

Our ADI Latin America team continues to tour Colombia to raise awareness about the country’s animal experiments – particularly malaria experiments on owl monkeys. On one stop, they spoke to 140 children from the first and second grade of San Cristobal Sur IED School!

Veterinary care at ADIWS: Most of the health challenges our rescued residents face is a result of their tragic past. Jade suffers from spondylitis, as a result of in-breeding and malnutrition in the circus, giving her a stiff stepping motion. However, she recently had a cut on her paw and was hospitalized – it was almost certainly the result of boisterous play. She’s back with her sisters and as lively as ever! Dr Caldwell was at the Sanctuary for one of his multi-patient veterinary days. He sedated 21-year-old Leo to trim two overgrown claws and has prescribed medicine to help Leo’s mobility. We held our breath as he examined a lump near Leo’s tail and were relieved it was a hernia which is not troubling him. Ruben had a full physical examination before being cleared to use the larger section of his habitat. Lupe had a sore spot on her abdomen checked. If you missed the Facebook lives from the day, you can see them here. 

Baby donkey at ADIWS: After being abandoned at a holiday lodge which closed, a family of donkeys arrived at the Sanctuary last year. Little did we know one of them was already pregnant – a donkey pregnancy can last up to 14 months! Mom gave birth to a beautiful foal named Nugget in December. Now it appears that another female is looking large and there may be another baby on the way!

The landmark US Endangered Species Act, passed 50 years ago, has helped save the bald eagle, gray wolf, humpback whale, southern sea otter, green sea turtle, grizzly bear, and many other species from extinction. It has, however, suffered many attacks to weaken it. Please urge President Joe Biden to fully restore the Endangered Species Act so that it can continue to protect, conserve, and recover wildlife.

If you missed the videos of the ADIWS residents and our rescued animals in Peru enjoying their festive treats, you can watch the lions, tigers and other Sanctuary residents here and monkeys, coatis and bears here.
 
We look forward to sharing campaigns and progress for animals with you, over the coming year. To support the range of our work for animals please donate here.  

Thank you so much for your support.

On this day last year, I was in Armenia and met Ruben for the first time. Back then he was an angry, frightened lion, and barely able to go a few paces without stumbling and falling. What a difference today, standing with him this morning at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary (pictured above), he was happy, relaxed, and confident in his habitat.

Ruben’s story captured hearts and headlines around the world: The lonely lion who went home to Africa to roar with his own kind again, and his heroic battle to walk and play again.

2023 was certainly Ruben’s year, but there were other important achievements for animals. Here is our countdown of our top ten magic moments of 2023:

One of the most joyous sights of the year was Matilda the cow and her ragtag family of goats and sheep running together at ADIWS. Saved from suffering and abuse – the sheep were on their way to be killed at a political rally – there really was nowhere for them in our region until ADI stepped in to provide them a home at ADIWS. Thank you to everyone who helped.

In Colombia, we celebrated a ban on the use of horses and dogs for riot control. It was one of several unheralded but important laws for animals during the year. The UK’s Online Safety Act was a first, aiming to protect people from harmful content online, and includes a measure to crack down on animal abuse for online entertainment. Also, the UK Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act was passed, to end UK promotion and sale of cruel and low welfare animal experiences overseas like elephant rides.

Two more unplanned residents for ADIWS were rescued pot-bellied pigs, Roosevelt and Churchill, who arrived just in time for Christmas. Maybe the 5-year-old brothers will decide to join our dogs Rollo and Milo on their walks in the near future!

Once the target of an ADI investigation, what a great day it was in 2023 when the last of Norway’s fur farms closed, just two years before the country’s ban came into force. Elsewhere, Lithuania banned fur farming, Hudson’s Bay Company and Harvey Nichols went fur-free, and Lexington became Massachusetts’ sixth municipality to ban the sale of new fur products.

Throughout the year, we released over 20 rescued tortoises into the 455 acres of ADIWS. Most were seized from the illegal pet or food trades, seven were rescued from wildfires. With a lifespan of 80-100 years, most have very long, happy lives ahead.

From the start, ADIWS has been committed to being a green sanctuary, leading by example against climate change, and in 2023 we took a giant step, with all operations moving to solar power! Our fences, motorized gates, cameras, and water supply pumps were already solar – now everything including freezers, accommodation, computers, heating, etc., are powered by the sun!

One of the most horrific circus industries ADI has exposed was in Spain. Few will forget the harrowing findings of our undercover team, the beatings, or the tiger who lay dead among his cage mates for a day and was then dragged out and skinned in front of them. Now it’s over, with Spain joining 50 other countries with bans on wild animals in circuses.

Surely, the US must act soon? There was progress: UniverSoul, one of the first circuses ADI investigated, dropped animal acts; Moolah Shrine dropped their bear, big cat, and elephant acts; Circus World in Wisconsin ended elephant performances; and Ringling Brothers returned without animals.

In May, a family of six donkeys who had been abandoned when a tourist lodge closed found a new life at ADIWS. With a donkey pregnancy lasting up to 14 months, what we didn’t know was that another little donkey was on her way! Just before Christmas, Mom gave birth to a beautiful baby foal. Both are doing well and have rejoined the herd roaming the Sanctuary.

Canada passed a ban on animal testing for cosmetics and sale of animal tested products, and also amended the country’s Environmental Protection Act to begin a phase-out of toxicity testing on animals which, if effectively implemented, could have a huge impact.

The US now lags behind over 40 countries on cosmetics testing, although state action is progressing, with Oregon becoming the eleventh cruelty-free state in the US. The Humane Cosmetics Act (HR5399) was reintroduced to ban cosmetic tests on animals nationwide. Please urge your Congress members to support.

My top magic moment is, predictably, Ruben’s arrival at ADIWS. As his travel crate was opened and supporters all over the world held their breath as he stepped out, his huge paws touching African soil for the first time. He wobbled but stayed on his feet with great determination and went on to play with his first-ever toy. Ruben’s life transformed before our eyes. Watch the video here. Ruben’s progress has been nothing short of inspirational; he has a zest for life which we had not seen before, and we cannot wait to see what this year holds for him. Thank you to everyone who cheered him on and helped bring him home.

These magic moments represent just part of ADI’s work which you helped make possible. Some transforms the lives of individuals like Ruben, while other work impacts countless animals for years to come – nearly a million animals were once killed on Norwegian fur farms every year.

Together we made a difference in 2023. Will you help make 2024 a special year for animals? Please consider a donation today.

Happy New Year and as always, we thank you for your support.

With plenty of open space, the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary has become a beacon of hope in our region, where facilities for animals rescued from abuse are very limited. Earlier this year, we took in a family of donkeys from an abandoned tourist lodge. With your help, they have now been joined by a lovely group of eights goats and two sheep, led by Matilda the cow. Together, they now enjoy a life of freedom, respect, and care. See video here.
 
This month, we hope to welcome two pigs and a small family of horses found hobbled in a street, all needed the space to roam freely, with secure night housing and care – you can support their care here.

On Tuesday December 5, Los Angeles City Council heard speakers from both sides on the ordinance to ban rodeos. Ahead of the hearing, ADI and other groups and advocates held a rally in support, with huge media interest. I gave interviews and spoke at the media event outside of City Hall, and both Tim and I gave testimony to the Council members. The rodeo supporters were out in force, including making their horses stand in the sun for hours upon hours without moving, carrying large people on their backs. They then flooded the council chamber but lost by a unanimous vote for the ban. However, it will return to committee for amendments to clarify exactly what performances will be covered. ADI will continue to work in our coalition with Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, to secure this essential ban so that the city of Los Angeles can put these shameful events behind them.

As Christmas events take place across the world, reindeer are being used as props in noisy, crowded areas – a world away from the habitat in which these highly sensitive, sentient beings evolved. ADI has written to event organizers to request they end the use of reindeer. If you see live animals at events near you, please contact organizers and urge them to adopt a policy to exclude the use of live animals in performances or displays.

ADI protested at one of horse racing’s biggest events, the Breeders Cup in Santa Anita Park, California. During the preceding week, two horses tragically died, one after a workout injury and the other suffered a cardiac arrest on the track. Such tragedies are not uncommon, and many lives are brutally ended for this so-called sport. In 2023, at least 79 horses have died at California racetracks (25 at Santa Anita alone) and almost 500 nation-wide.

Born in a circus cage in Guatemala, Kimba and Tomas were torn apart when Tomas was sent to a zoo, leaving Kimba with the circus. Rescued during our Operation Liberty mission when Guatemala banned animal circuses, the boys met again in the ADI Temporary Custody Unit, and then reunited at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. Their heart-warming story hit the headlines in the UK, featured in The Daily Star, Daily Express, and Daily Mirror!

Our Giving Tuesday appeal was to complete the ADIWS Staff Village, and you have helped raise more than a third ($15,595.38) towards getting the job done! You can still support this important appeal to ensure the Resident Welfare Team can take care of themselves, after taking care of our residents.

In Colombia’s Sixth Commission of the House of Representatives, the third of four debates needed for the bill to ban bullfighting was blocked by Representatives (encouraged by the bullfighting industry) leaving the meeting and making it inquorate. Bullfighting supporters had also previously tried several times to sabotage proceedings, including false claims about ADI and others, which were rejected by the Commission. To succeed, the bill must pass two more debates, so the battle continues.

ADI urged Georgia’s Colombia County Fall Fair to cancel their two wild animal acts. For the ‘Banana Derby’, capuchin monkeys are strapped onto dogs for races, and for the ‘Sea Lion Splash’ performance, captive sea lions perform tricks, diving in shallow pools. If you see any performing animal events advertised for your area, please contact ADI.

Our inflatable owl monkey continues to tour Colombia, meeting 400 schoolchildren from INEM Santiago Pérez public school, Bogotá. ADI’s Yani Mateus spoke about the natural behavior of wild owl monkeys and their treatment in laboratories. The school’s Animalist Children’s Club was created over ten years ago.

We are deeply saddened to say goodbye to a kind soul, Professor Benjamin Zephaniah, a gifted musician, writer and poet, acknowledged as one of Britain’s 50 greatest writers, was vegan and a huge friend of the animals, always supporting our campaigns. Known to many in recent years for his role in Peaky Blinders, Benjamin regularly attended our rallies, appeared in our videos and backed ADI campaigns. A hugely compassionate voice for people and animals has been lost. May your legacy live forevermore, and may it inspire the same kindness and love with which you led your life. Our thoughts and condolences are with Benjamin’s family and friends during this truly tragic time.

This Sunday, December 10, Tim and I will be in Los Angeles for a presentation of ‘Inside Liberty’, the story of ADI’s 19-month mission to empty Guatemala’s circus cages. If you can make it, it’s not too late to get your tickets, priced $20. We’d love to see you there! 
 
Wherever you are, you can hear freedom roar. Watch our award-winning documentary Lion Ark, charting our epic rescue in Bolivia here.

The past month has seen ADI continuing to campaign worldwide to end animal suffering and care for animals we have rescued at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary and the sanctuaries we fund.

A highlight has been Ruben finding his voice! There was huge excitement hearing a new voice in the morning chorus at ADIWS as Ruben joined in with the roars of Simba and Rey. Over 150,000 people watched his roar getting louder on social media and you can see the clip here. 

With the passing of magician Dirk Arthur, there are no longer any big cats on the Las Vegas Strip. Repeatedly exposed by ADI investigators, Arthur owned 10 cats at the time of his death — six tigers, one snow leopard, two clouded leopards and a bobcat. They were taken into the care of the Clark County Animal Protection Services and are to be relocated to a sanctuary.

The King’s speech, outlining the Government’s agenda, has failed to mention the manifesto promise to end hunting trophy imports. Last month a private members’ bill to do this was blocked by a handful of members of the House of Lords. The speech did promise a ban on export of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses for slaughter and fattening and action to tackle climate change and biodiversity. However, dropping of the trophy pledge after is a clear betrayal of a promise to the electorate.  

ADI’s inflatable owl monkey, highlighting animal experiments in Colombia, continues to generate interest, visiting schools accompanied by ADI’s Eduardo and Yani. The team also recently addressed an event in the Colombian Congress organized by Senator Esmeralda Hernández, recognizing regional leaders for their work for animals. Deputies, Councilors, and activists attended and discussed conservation, rescue, and protection strategies.

More than a dozen tortoises were rescued from the wildfires that swept Free State South Africa at the end of dry season in September. The tortoises are now roaming our 455-acre ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. On a day of terrible fires, the ADIWS team fought off a serious blaze and prevented it from entering the sanctuary.

The Los Angeles Board of Animal Services Commissioners unanimously recommended rodeos be banned, describing them as inherently cruel. ADI submitted testimony supporting the ordinance from Councilmember Bob Blumenfield and is part of a coalition working to get the ban across the finish line. We have regularly protested bull riding events staged in the city. If you live in Los Angeles, please urge your councilmembers to support Blumenfield’s LA rodeo ban. Find their details here. 

Lithuania’s 40 mink and 30 chinchilla farms caging a million animals must close by 2027 thanks to the country’s new Law on Animal Welfare and Protection. Elsewhere outbreaks of COVID-19 on a mink farm in Bulgaria and the H5N1 variant of avian flu on a farm in Spain are increasing pressure to end the cruel industry. In the US, please ask your Congress members to support the Mink VIRUS Act (HR3783) to end mink-farming nationwide. Take action here. 

Massachusetts is considering a Bill requiring manufacturers and testing facilities to use methods that replace animal testing of products and ingredients for cosmetics, household cleaners, and industrial chemicals (such as those used in paint). ADI has submitted testimony in support of the legislation sponsored by Representative Jack Patrick Lewis and Senator Mark Montigny.  If you live in Massachusetts, please call the Committee Senate contact (617) 722-1555 and House contact (617) 722-2020 and ask their support for H850 and S1424.

As part of the UK’s Time for Change coalition, ADI is urging National Park authorities to end trail hunting on their land. This has become a smokescreen for the continued hunting and killing of foxes despite a long-held ban in England and Wales. 

Has it already been four years since the mighty Kesari arrived at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary? We remember waiting with bated breath for him to emerge from his travel crate after he arrived from Pretoria Zoo, and to hear him roar for the first time (rather like Ruben). He has become confident and playful, great friends with Coco and Chino on one side and Simba and Rey on the other. A reminder that ADIWS is a home for life. That’s why your adoptions are so vital for the animal care. 

Two in every three farm animals – more than 50 billion every year – are confined intensively. Calls to ‘End the Cage Age’, backed by more than 1 million people, led to a commitment by the European Commission to act, but progress has been blocked following pressure from agriculture lobbyists. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is also financing industrial pig and chicken production in China, Vietnam, Uganda, and Ecuador. Please join ADI calling on IFC Governor and UK Minister Andrew Mitchell to stop this. 

‘Doc’ Antle has received a suspended two-year sentence, 5-year ban from exotic animal trade in the state, and must pay $10,000 after being convicted of four counts of illegal wildlife trafficking in Virginia. He had faced up to 20 years in prison and with more than 35 USDA violations for mistreating animals, a tougher sentence and permanent ban had been hoped for (pic from an ADI investigation of Antle’s facility several years ago).

Despite the global risk of extinction, the Icelandic government has allowed the killing of fin whales to resume by the country’s last whaling company, Hvalur hf, whose 5-year whaling licence expires next month. Please urge Iceland’s Prime Minister and Hvalur hf to put an end to this cruel practice after the licence expires.

This little foal, her mother and father were found hobbled in a township street. Will you help us give them a home for life at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary? Thanks to your wonderful response last week, Matilda the cow, eight goats, and two sheep are joining us and these horses can join them next. 

Thanks to everyone who sponsored pumpkin treats, our ADIWS lion and tiger residents had a very happy Halloween. Enjoy our video here. 

ADI works on many fronts to secure lasting change for animals: investigations, campaigns, education, rescues, and providing sanctuary. This e-alert gives a flavor of our past month’s work, if you would like to help this with a general donation, please click here. 

Thank you for making our work for animals possible.​​​​​ 

The world has continued to be gripped by Ruben lion’s daily activities since his arrival at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in late August – more about him later!
 
Important campaign news includes the launch of our campaign in Colombia to end horrific malaria experiments on owl monkeys, the fight to end trophy hunting, and the Stop Circus Suffering campaign.
 
First up, though, is the dramatic and terrifying events at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary last weekend:

Last weekend, high winds drove high-speed wildfires across Free State, South Africa. We received an alert about a fast-moving fire 25 miles away; the team geared up, firefighters were loaded, and the lions and tigers were brought into their safe zones. In the next hours, despite all efforts to stop it, the huge fire raced along the road towards us. Briefly, it looked like it would pass us by, but the wind turned it and at 3:40pm our north field (outside the security fence) was on fire and the fire was also approaching our west border. The team split to fight the fire on both sides, pushing it back while soaking our interior border. It was extinguished at 6pm without entering the sanctuary. All animals were safe, and three tortoises found in danger outside, have started new lives at ADIWS. We are appealing for funds to install a perimeter sprinkler system here. 

Good News: Colombia’s Senate Plenary approved the bill to ban bullfighting during its second debate, despite a huge push from the bullfighting industry. Bullfighting supporters staged a walkout in an attempt to make the meeting inquorate to stop the vote. But with just eight minutes to go, the quorum was reached, and the bill passed with 50 votes in favor, 4 against. The bill must now pass two more Senate debates before it returns to the House of Representatives, where we are campaigning for support.

VICTORY: After years of campaigning, the UK Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act is now law, prohibiting travel companies and others from selling and advertising activities abroad with low standards of animal welfare, such as elephant rides, harmful wildlife interactions, and cruelty like bullfights. ADI will be following up with travel and entertainment companies to report back on how they plan to implement the law – and hopefully promote more positive activities to support nature, wildlife, and conservation.

GOOD NEWS: One of the first circuses ADI investigated for our Stop Circus Suffering USA campaign, UniverSoul Circus, is finally going animal-free! Thank you to everyone who responded to our action alerts when they came to town and helped make this victory happen. ADI will continue to press for federal legislation to eliminate this misery in the US once and for all. Please urge your Congress members to support the reintroduction of the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act (TEAPSPA). 

ADI Colombia has introduced a giant owl monkey to draw attention to the suffering of owl monkeys ripped from their forest homes for unscientific and unethical malaria experiments. The owl monkey has been appearing with an ADI information stand at public events, festivals, and schools. This week the monkey – we are still inviting submissions for a name – spent the day outside the Colombian Congress for World Animal Day. Pictured is Yani Mateus, ADI Colombia, being interviewed outside Congress in Bogota this week.

Since the passing of our dear Bumba due to cancer, at around 18 years old, several supporters have asked about canvas images to remember him. We have added several images to our store, including the beautiful picture above, showing him in his African homeland after being rescued from a circus in Colombia. View and order here.

The UK Online Safety Act is now law and should restrict the depiction of animal abuse online, forcing social media companies to block the promotion of animal cruelty, specifically targeting activities enabling users to pay for, or instruct, animal torture regardless of where they take place.

Congressman Don Beyer has reintroduced the bill aiming to end animal testing for cosmetics in the US and ban the sale or transport of any cosmetic products tested on animals. Eleven US states and 44 countries worldwide have rejected these horrific and unnecessary tests. It’s time for a federal ban. ADI has emailed all Congress members, in support of the bill. Please contact your representatives and urge them to support HR5399 today. 

Last week ADI and 30 conservation and animal protection groups joined with TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham outside the UK’s Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) HQ, calling for action to protect nature. The protest coincided with publication of the ‘State of Nature’ report which revealed one in six UK species face extinction and pollinator populations are collapsing.

Long tailed macaques are being pushed to the brink of extinction by the animal research industry with suppliers continuing to restock their factory farms from the wild. The latest UK statistics reveal a third of lab monkeys came from wild caught parents, despite promises to eliminate this destructive trade. Mauritius and Vietnam are two of the main exporting countries, where ADI investigators exposed the dealers. We’re calling on the EU Scientific Research Group on Wildlife Trade to review whether imports of macaques from these countries as well as from Indonesia, Cambodia, and the Philippines fulfill EU trade regulations – and urging it to reconsider its decision to lift the trade suspension for imports from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. ADI secured a promise to phase out the use of F1 monkeys (born of wild caught parents) in the last EU Directive on animal experiments, but this undertaking has not been delivered.

GOOD NEWS: In the US, it is now illegal to take horseshoe crabs from Connecticut’s beaches, with safeguards extended to other shores including New York State. This ancient species faces many threats including capture to take blood for use in product safety testing (alternative methods are available).

In a blatant attempt to force the UK Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill out of time, a small group of pro-hunting peers tabled a raft of amendments during the Committee Stage in the House of Lords. They refused to have these grouped for discussion, stalling for time by giving extended speeches supporting trophy hunting. The end of this parliamentary session is just weeks away, and the bill is now unlikely to pass. The day after the bill’s fated hearing, ADI and members of the Coalition Against Trophy Hunting stood outside Parliament with supportive Peers and MPs to urge the Government to fulfil its promise of a ban four years ago.

“Fabulous” was Dr Peter Caldwell’s reaction when he recently checked on Ruben. Ruben’s determination to walk and play with his toys at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary has been an inspiration. Dr Caldwell noted how our habitat design and enrichment were all helping Ruben’s progress, and although there are still issues with his walking, he is steadier, his balance is better, and his spine has improved. In about three months’ time, Ruben will be sedated for a full assessment and probably dental work with Prof. Gerhard Steenkamp. In the meantime, his physiotherapy continues.

See how much Ruben has improved and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube page for more updates. 

ADI is changing the world for animals by publicizing what happens to animals, educating the public about the intelligence, emotions, and rights of the other species sharing our planet, rescues, and securing lasting animal protection through legislation. Please help us. 

August was the month everything changed for lonely lion Ruben when he made his journey from Armenia home to Africa and a new life at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. We have all marveled at the bravery of this battered old warrior, driving himself forward on his wobbly legs and playing with his toys.

Ruben’s chance of a new life had looked in jeopardy, until Qatar Airways’ Cargo WeQare charity scheme stepped in, donating space on two flights to bring him home. After his long journey, we finally saw him step from his travel crate onto African soil, play enthusiastically with a giant catnip toy, and heard his roar grow a little louder with each day.

Due to a lifetime of poor nutrition, he has spondylitis, an inflammatory disease which can cause bones to fuse, exacerbated by confinement and lack of exercise, leaving his legs weak. This causes him difficulty walking and his spine is arched. Dr Caldwell has examined and prescribed vitamins, minerals, and supplements to support his body and, with more space than he has ever known, his mobility is already improving.

His face and demeanor have transformed as he has relaxed.

Watch: Ruben’s arrival at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary.

Watch: Ruben’s first roar
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To support Ruben’s care, please donate here.

But August wasn’t just the month for Ruben, ADI’s vital work continued around the world as we battle for those like Ruben. Here’s just a few examples…

Heartbreak as chimpanzees Pancho and Chita were shot dead after escaping from a zoo in Colombia. Pancho and another chimpanzee Karla had been surrendered to the zoo after ADI investigators filmed their abuse in a circus – we tried to get them to a sanctuary, but our efforts were blocked. The horrific footage of Karla being beaten with a chain and punched led to Colombia’s ban on wild animals in circuses. After the deaths of Panco and Chita, ADI demonstrated at the Ministry of the Environment and met with the Director of Forests.

Please join our call for the surviving chimp at the zoo, Yoko. To be relocated to a sanctuary. Email servicioalcliente@ukumari.co. Sadly, we have learned that Karla passed away last year.

ADI has called for three wild lions to be spared after an employee of Dinokeng Game Reserve in South Africa was killed by lions after defying regulations and walking in the reserve at night. A tragedy, but another may now be added after an application to euthanize the lions. Please sign and share the petition to save the Dinokeng lions.

Great news: Governor Kotek signed Oregon’s bill to ban the sale of new cosmetics tested on animals, making it the eleventh US state to embrace cruelty-free legislation. The ban will take effect on January 1, 2024. If you live in the US, please urge your Congress members to reintroduce the Humane Cosmetics Act to ban cosmetic tests on animals nationwide.

Lolita, also known as Tokitae and Toki, never got her happy ending. In March, after her deteriorating health meant she was unable to perform, Miami Seaquarium finally announced plans to move her to an ocean pen within two years. She never made it, dying after five decades in a tiny tank following her violent capture in 1970 at just four years old. In the wild, orcas swim up to 140 miles a day and live with their birth families their entire lives, living up to 90 years old. A victim of cruelty in the name of entertainment. Never visit these attractions and ask friends to do the same.

ADI joined forces with other animal groups to urge the International Finance Corporation to stop financing factory farming. In a letter to its Governor, we raised concerns about the Corporation’s recent funding of multi-story pig farms in China, industrial pig production in Vietnam, industrial broiler chicken production in Uganda, and industrial pig and chicken production in Ecuador. The Corporation has paid little regard to the World Organisation for Animal Health’s international guidelines on animal welfare and its own good practice guidelines.

Since 2000, capuchin monkey Katie – who appeared in the TV show Friends nearly 30 years ago – has been used to pump up fans at Los Angeles Angels’ home games. In clips screened at baseball games, she is made to dance and hold signs while wearing the team’s strip. The stadium also uses live monkeys for photo ops. ADI has written to Los Angeles Angels, urging them to stop exploiting wild animals. Join us by contacting LA Angels’ owner Arte Moreno (arte@angels.com) and chairperson Dennis Kuhl (dennis.kuhl@angels.com) today.

The Banana Derby, a cruel race which sees capuchin monkeys strapped onto dogs to emulate jockeys, is currently on tour. This shameful act was at the Lawrence County Fair in New Castle, Pennsylvania last month, and is currently at the Upper South Carolina State Fair in Easley, South Carolina until September 10. Please call or email a polite request to both fairs to cancel the Banana Derby and adopt an animal-free entertainment policy:
Lawrence County Fair: 724-654-7745 / lawcofair@gmail.com
Upper South Carolina State Fair: 864-269-0852 / upperscstatefair@gmail.com
Contact ADI if you see Banana Derby or similar acts coming to your hometown.

We also said farewell to a giant for the animals, US gameshow host Bob Barker. You will be missed, Mr B. Read our tribute to Bob Barker.

ADI one of the winners of a 2023 Top-Rated Award from GreatNonprofits! We are overwhelmed by the wonderful comments and stories that our supporters posted to secure this prestigious award for the third year running. Read inspiring stories about our work or add your own review here.

That was August, what will September bring? We expect many exciting developments for Ruben as his strength grows and he explores more at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, and there will be challenges ahead in our campaigns to end animal suffering around the world.

Please keep ADI fighting for the animals.